Child Protection Statement

Byker Primary School recognises our moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all pupils.

We will endeavour to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children are respected and valued. We will be alert to the signs of abuse and maltreatment and will follow our procedures to ensure that children receive effective support, protection and justice.

The procedures contained in this policy apply to all staff and governors and are consistent with those of the Safeguarding Partners.

Core principles: This statement is one of a series in the school’s integrated safeguarding portfolio.

Our core safeguarding principles are as follows:

• The school’s responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children is of paramount importance.
• Safer children make more successful learners.
• Representatives of the whole school community of pupils, parents, staff and governors will be involved in policy development and review.
• Policies will be reviewed annually, unless an incident or new legislation or guidance suggest the need for an interim review.

The statement and core principles demonstrate the school’s understanding that, to carry out its role effectively, it must:

• Give priority to the welfare of the child.
• Understand the importance of respect.
• Recognise the relationship between safety and learning.
• Value the opinions and contributions of the whole school community.
• Ensure staff are appropriately trained.
• Develop and maintain effective procedures.
• Comply with the prevailing legislation and consider prevailing guidance.

 

The Prevent Duty and Preventing Radicalisation

The Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 places a duty on specified authorities, including local authorities and childcare, education and other children’s services providers, in the exercise of their functions, to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism (“the Prevent duty”). Young people can be exposed to extremist influences or prejudiced views, in particular those via the internet and other social media. Schools can help to protect children from extremist and violent views in the same ways that they help to safeguard children.

The Prevent strategy aims to protect vulnerable people from being drawn into terrorism. While it remains rare for children and young people to become involved in terrorist activity, young people from an early age can be exposed to terrorist & extremist influences or prejudiced views. We recognise that as with other forms of safeguarding strategies, early intervention is always preferable. Our school is committed to working with other local partners, families and communities, and we will play a key role in ensuring young people and their communities are safe from the threat of terrorism.

We also recognise that our School has a duty of care to our pupils and staff which includes safeguarding them from the risk of being drawn into terrorism. Being drawn into terrorism includes not just violent extremism but also non-violent extremism, which can create an atmosphere conducive to terrorism and can popularise views which terrorists exploit. Prevent can work within both violent and non-violent extremism arenas and can include topics such as hate crime, racism, bullying, online safety and extreme political views.

 Our Health and Safety Commitment

We are committed to ensuring every student can thrive in a safe and secure environment. Our Health and Safety Policy is aligned with rigorous standards and UK safety legislation. This policy is reviewed regularly to address emerging safety needs and to reflect best practices in educational environments.

 Key Systems and Procedures

1. Risk Assessment Management  

   – Regular, comprehensive risk assessments are conducted across all areas of the school, identifying potential hazards and implementing preventive measures. Staff receive training on risk identification and management to maintain safe conditions throughout the school.

2. Fire Safety  

   – We conduct routine fire drills and regularly test our alarm systems. Clear evacuation procedures are in place, and both staff and students are familiar with these protocols, ensuring a prompt and orderly response in an emergency.

3. Accident and Incident Reporting

   – Using systems such as CPOMS, we document and monitor all accidents and incidents. This enables us to assess risks accurately, address emerging trends, and enhance preventive strategies.

4. First Aid  

   – Trained first aid personnel are available on-site to assist in cases of illness or injury. First aid stations are well-stocked and regularly maintained.

    5. Visitor Management  

   – All visitors sign in at the main reception and are issued with visible identification. This protocol helps us manage on-site security, ensuring a safe environment for our school community.

6. Hygiene and Infection Control  

   – Adherence to rigorous hygiene practices, regular cleaning schedules, hand sanitising stations, and infection control protocols are integral to our approach, promoting a healthy school environment for all.

 Health and Safety Policy

Our Health and Safety Policy provides a detailed framework for ensuring safety and security across the school. This policy includes guidelines for risk assessments, emergency response protocols, and staff training requirements. It serves as a comprehensive reference for staff, students, and parents, ensuring all parties are informed of their role in supporting school safety.

 Training and Awareness

Staff at Byker primary undergo regular health and safety training to ensure they are knowledgeable and prepared to implement safety protocols. This training encompasses risk assessment, fire safety, first aid, and other essential safety topics, equipping staff to maintain a safe school environment.